the agri-food industry in barcelona and catalonia

The Agri-Food Industryin Barcelona and Catalonia

Barcelona City CouncilEconomic Promotion

www.bcn.cat/barcelonabusinesswww.22barcelona.com

Economic Promotion is the departmentof Barcelona City Council dedicated topromoting Barcelona as an attractiveplace to do business and to supportingcompanies, professionals and institu-tions interested in setting up and doingbusiness in the city.

22@Barcelona is one of thestrategic projects of the city ofBarcelona. In the centrally locateddistrict of Poblenou, land has beenset aside so that companies andinstitutions working in the media,information and communicationtechnologies (ICTs), medical techno-logies, energy and design can interactwith knowledge centres such asuniversities and R&D centres.

Barcelona Chamber ofCommerce

www.cambrabcn.es

The Barcelona Chamber of Commerceis the institution that representscompanies in the city of Barcelona.Through its individualized services forcompanies and its actions, it promotesits member companies and businessin Catalonia.

Government ofCatalonia

Invest in Cataloniawww.catalonia.com

With headquarters in Barcelona and 35overseas offices, ACC1Ó CIDEM/COPCA,through Invest in Catalonia, providesadvisory services and assistanceadapted to the needs of companiesinterested in setting up or expandingtheir operations and investments inCatalonia.

Barcelona and Catalonia 06

10 Reasons to Invest 08

The Agri-food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia 10

10 Reasons to Invest in the Agri-food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia

01. A very important agri-food industry 12

02. A benchmark European cluster 16

03. A privileged geo-strategic location 17

04. The presence of leading companies 18

05. Leadership in fresh products 20

06. Barcelona Food Platform 22

07. A focus on research and development 23

08. Alimentaria International Food and Beverage Exhibition 24

09. Network of municipal markets 26

10. Barcelona and the Mediterranean diet 28

Websites of Interest 30

04 05Presentation04 The Agri-Food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia

IndexPresentation

Catalonia and its capital, Barcelona, have always been known for welcomingvisitors. Throughout history, many different peoples have passed through thisregion and a good number of them have stayed. This has made Catalonia ahospitable, tolerant and dynamic place that is open to all things new.

Catalonia and Barcelona have become a major economic hub of Europe. As adriver of the Spanish economy, 21st-century Catalonia is an innovative regionwith highly qualified labour, an enviable geographic location (in the centre ofEurope and connected to the rest of the world through its Mediterranean portand international airports) and first-rate infrastructure, which is why itcontinues to attract major international investment year after year.

It is a pleasure for us to present this economic dossier, which describes thecharacteristics of the agri-food industry, one of the primary economic sectorsin Catalonia and Barcelona in terms of its weight in the economy, its relativeweight in comparison to other European regions, and the attention it receivesfrom companies, universities and research centres. This dossier is the result ofthe collaboration of four leading institutions in the economy of the city ofBarcelona and Catalonia and provides a glimpse of what Catalonia has to offeryour company as a leading enterprising region in this industry.

We look forward to providing advice and helping you with your investmentplants.

07The Agri-Food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia

Barcelona, is in Northeastern Spain on theshores of the Mediterranean. It ranks amongthe largest metropolitan regions in Europe andis the centre of an extensive metropolitan areamade up of more than 217 towns and citieswith a total population of 4.6 million. It is theeconomic, cultural and administrative capital ofCatalonia and the leader of an emerging area ofeconomic activity in Southern Europe with17 million inhabitants and more than 800,000companies. This Euro-Mediterranean region,which includes the Balearic Islands, Valencia,Aragon and Southeastern France, is focusing onnew strategic, competitive and internationalsectors, and is consolidating its position as oneof the main European conglomerations ofmetropolises.

Barcelona and Catalonia

06 Barcelona and Catalonia

The basis for economic growth (which has become very important in recent years) can

be found in a metropolis with a polycentric and economically diversified business structure

that facilitates its role as a generator of new ideas, companies and products.

Bearing in mind the distribution of gross added value in different areas of activity,

Catalonia accounts for the highest percentage of industrial activity of all Spain’s

autonomous communities (23%), and is ranked second in terms of gross added value

generated in the services industry (15.7% of the total).

Moreover, Catalonia’s rate of entrepreneurial activity in 2007 was 8.4%, which was

higher than the Spanish and European averages according to the Global Entrepreneurship

Monitor (GEM) 2007.

International business activity in the Barcelona area receives special promotional attention

from the Fira trade fair centre, the Port of Barcelona, the airport, the Zona Franca

Consortium, the Barcelona Tourism Consortium and the new technological innovation

districts. The close ties between the logistics infrastructure and the considerable business

activity of the agri-food industry give the city a privileged geo-strategic position in

Europe.

Barcelona and its metropolitan area attract major agri-food companies, which represent

one of the pillars of the Catalan economy and occupy a leading position in Spain. Catalonia

is a benchmark in the food industry for many reasons. In terms of economics, its

advantages include the many important international companies operating in the area

that sell packaged and fresh products, the considerable agri-food community, with large

specific clusters such as the cava and wine cluster, the geo-strategic location, and the

availability of first-class logistics infrastructure, research centres and prestigious

international trade shows. Moreover, Catalonia is internationally renowned for its

gastronomic culture, which is based on health and quality, as reflected by the

Mediterranean diet and the many restaurants that are famous for exquisite dining.

In terms of the availability of human resources, Barcelona is known for its prestigious

universities, acclaimed research centres, R&D laboratories and intermediary institutions

that facilitate the development of innovative projects that drive new initiatives in the

agri-food industry through knowledge transfer.

Barcelona

Catalonia

Euro-Mediterranean region

09The Agri-Food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia08 10 Reasons to Invest

10 Reasons to Invest

There are many reasons why Barcelona is such anattractive place to live, work and do business. The cityis currently in an excellent position for new businessactivities. Here are just some of the good reasons forinvesting in the city:

01 Strategic geographic location

France is two hours away by road. As the southern gateway to Europe, the city’s port, airport,

duty-free zone, logistics park and international trade fair centre are all within a five-kilometre

radius of the city centre.

02 Complete transport infrastructure

Motorway network connected with Europe; the airport with the fastest growth in Europe; the leading

Spanish port and the largest container port on the Mediterranean; a comprehensive metro, rail and

bus network; the high-speed train connection between Barcelona and Madrid became operative

in 2008 and the link from Barcelona to the French border is expected to provide service by 2011.

03 The centre of a large, dynamic and diverse economic area

The population of the greater Barcelona area is 4.6 million. It is the capital of Catalonia (more

than 7 million inhabitants) and the centre of the Mediterranean Arc, a very large economic area

with 17 million inhabitants. It accounts for 70% of Catalonia’s GDP, showed an increase in its own

GDP in 2007 of 3.1% (above the European average) and is the sixth-largest urban conglomeration

in Europe and the fifth in terms of industry.

04 Successful foreign investment

Ranked the fifth-best city in Europe for doing business, Barcelona accounts for approximately

20% of foreign investment in Spain each year. A total of 2700 foreign companies have set up in

the city and 97% of them have expressed their satisfaction with the decision. Barcelona is also

consolidating its reputation as a location for the European division of many multinationals.

05 Renowned international position

Barcelona occupies an outstanding position in different international rankings in terms of its urban

character, ability to attract foreign investment, entrepreneurial personality and quality of life.

06 Human resources prepared for the future

A high level of preparation, high productivity (one of the highest in Europe according to the OECD); 5 public

universities, 3 private universities, renowned business schools (IESE, ESADE, EADA); 27 international schools;

considerable use of new technologies; a character inclined towards innovation and creativity.

07 Excellent quality of life

Ranked first in Europe in terms of quality of life*. A stable climate, sun, beaches, first-class ski resorts

nearby, availability of excellent cultural and leisure activities; a network of 4500 educational institutions;

a modern, accessible healthcare system; easy accessibility and mobility on public transport; a park system

that surrounds the city.

08 Major urban-planning projects for the future

Transformation of 1000 hectares and 7 million m2 of construction. The Llobregat area is focusing on logistics

and internationalization, with the expansion of the port and airport; the Besòs area is focusing on urban

renewal, sustainability and research centres; the Sagrera-Sant Andreu area will have its own high-speed

train station; 22@Barcelona is the new technology and innovation district.

09 Competitive real estate

A wide selection of office space, commercial premises and industrial buildings with an excellent quality/price

ratio.

10 Unique public-private cooperation

Barcelona City Council and the Catalan government provide strong support to companies. Successful public-

private collaboration has been one of the keys to the transformation of Barcelona.

* According to the European Cities Monitor 2008 by Cushman & Wakefield

10 1110 Reasons to Invest in the Agri-food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia The Agri-Food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia

The Catalan food industryoccupies the leadingposition in Spain and theBarcelona area plays a keyrole, given that aconsiderable amount offood is produced here andmost of the research,innovation and investmentactivity generated in theindustry takes place in thearea.

Catalonia is therefore themost importantautonomous community inthe agri-food industry inSpain, in that it accounts for23% of total turnover andnearly the same percentageof operating income.

Catalonia also boasts a veryrich food and gastronomyculture, based on consumerhabits grounded in theMediterranean diet, qualitysupply and internationallyrenowned restaurants.

The Agri-food Industry inBarcelona and Catalonia

Catalonia, and the Barcelona metropolitan area, has become a benchmark

region in the food and beverage industry or agri-food industry in recent

years. The agri-food industry plays a key role in the Spanish economy

and is one of the most important industries.

The importance of the food industry in the Catalan economy is clear

from the fact that the food, beverages and tobacco industry is the leading

branch of industry in terms of turnover and accounts for 15.7% of the

total and nearly 3000 companies, many of which are located in the

Greater Barcelona Area. The industry also generates 78,100 direct jobs,

which represent 20.4% of the total number of people employed in the

industry in Spain.

Moreover, Barcelona’s weight and projection in the food industry is also

reflected by the city’s distribution facilities: Mercabarna, Barcelona’s

wholesale market, is estimated to supply 10 million people in the area

from Northeastern Spain to Northern Italy; the Alimentaria Food Exhibition

is ranked second among food trade fairs in Europe; and a great many

universities and research centres work in the fields of nutrition and food

safety.

Also important are consumer habits, especially gastronomy, an area in

which Barcelona, Catalonia and Spain have defined a new international

standard. In fact, the Mediterranean diet has become one of the building

blocks of the many fine-dining spots in Catalonia, along with the rich

culinary tradition and the consolidated prestige of the many great Catalan

chefs. All this has given Barcelona a reputation as a city of creative, quality

cuisine.

The aim of this document is to present the basic

current and future characteristics of the agri-food

industry in Catalonia and the city of Barcelona by

pointing out 10 strategic reasons:

01 A very important agri-food industry

02 A benchmark European cluster

03 A privileged geo-strategic location

04 The presence of leading companies

05 Leadership in fresh products

06 Barcelona Food Platform

07 A focus on research and development

08 Alimentaria International Food and

Beverage Exhibition

09 Network of municipal markets

10 Barcelona and the Mediterranean diet

Agri-food Industry Turnover

Source: INE, 2007.

12 1310 Reasons to Invest in the Agri-food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia The Agri-Food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia

A Very Important Agri-food Industry 01

10 Reasons to Invest in the Agri-food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia

Catalonia has had a long tradition in the food industry, as reflected by theconsiderable economic activity this industry generates as a percentage ofall industrial activity. The food industry is, in fact, one of the main driversof the Catalan economy.

The Catalan agri-food industry accounts for 15.7% (€17.14 billion)

of all net sales in Catalan industry, a figure which is comparable to

those of the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Catalonia is

the Spanish autonomous community with the most jobs in the

industry (78,100; 20.4% of the total), followed by Andalusia (13.3%)

and Valencia (8.1%).

Barcelona has very close ties with the agri-food industry: it boasts

10,000 jobs and 370 companies in the industry, which represent

10.8% of the Catalan companies in the industry and 15.8% of

employees. Four branches of the agri-food industry account for most

of these jobs.

The main branch is Other Food Products, which includes activities

as diverse as making bread, biscuits and other pastry products; the

sugar, cocoa, chocolate and confectionery industry; pasta making; coffee and tea; spices,

sauces and condiments; and prepared dietary and baby food. This set of activities accounts

for 55.8% of jobs and 72.7% of companies in the sector.

The second agri-food branch with the most jobs is the beverage sector, which accounts

for 16.6% of jobs, but only 5.1% of companies, which makes it the second-most important

branch in the city in terms of company size (with 91 employees per company).

Finally, the dairy and meat industries are the two other branches that account for the

most jobs and companies in the Barcelona area.

In terms of exports, meat, wine, oil and other food products are the most items sold

abroad. The leading imports are milk and fish, fat and oil and other food products.

Source: DAR, 2006.

Source: DAR, 2006.

Of the 10 sectors the agri-food industries is divided into, meat processing is

the leader in total net sales.

15The Agri-Food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia14 10 Reasons to Invest in the Agri-food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia

1. Barcelona: a laboratory of ideas andidentifier of new trends.

Barcelona has become a key testing ground to chart

new purchasing and consumer habits, and to identify

new trends in the food industry.

Moreover, the presence of major trade fairs and

cultural activities related to the food industry, such

as the Alimentaria International Food and Beverage

Exhibition, have made Barcelona a laboratory for

generating and detecting new opportunities in the

industry and a continuous generator of fresh new

ideas.

Barcelona therefore helps companies identify

opportunities, and develop and test the wide range

of innovations created in the Barcelona area,

especially those related to:

• New consumer habits and the identification of

new consumer segments.

• New purchasing patterns.

• The introduction and analysis of new products,

such as functional food and environmentally

friendly and organic products.

• The adaptation of new marketing channels,

such as the hotel and restaurant channel.

2. Innovation.

Catalonia also boasts an extensive network of pioneering associations and organizations

in research, development and innovation which have created a first-rate environment for

knowledge and innovation, and help companies develop new products and services (IRTA,

Barcelona Food Platform, etc.).

The Greater Barcelona Area is also home to major clusters that complement and contribute

synergies in the food industry, such as those in information and communication technologies

(ICTs) and the biotech sector.

Catalonia and the Greater Barcelona Area

become a key location for the development of

research and innovation.

• Product innovation, especially in the

development of the 4th and 5th range.

• Production-process innovation, especially in

techniques involving product processing,

manufacture and preservation.

• Adaptation to trends in logistics distribution

and related new technologies, such as smart

packaging.

• Technological innovation.

• Incorporation and innovation in

environmental matters and waste

management.

Also of note is Barcelona’s location near major

logistics infrastructure, which give it considerable

international projection.

Catalonia, and especially the Greater Barcelona

Area, has thus become a major catalyst and

generator of business opportunities and R&D and

innovation in the food industry.

Innovation and New Trends. TheGreater Barcelona Area is home to afirst-class food cluster that offerscompanies a wide range of oppor-tunities in the identification andadaptation to industry trends.


The agri-food industry inthe Barcelona area hasbecome a benchmark inEurope and the world:

• It is home to a first-classagri-food cluster

• It is a hub that attractsinternational companies

Benchmark European Cluster 02 A Privileged Geo-strategic

Location03The agri-food cluster in Catalonia occupies a leading position in Europe,

according to data from the Observatory of European Clusters presented

by the Stockholm School of Economics, which analyses more than 250

European regions.

Along with the Italian region of Lombardy, Catalonia has become one of

the main agri-food clusters in Europe in terms of the number of jobs

created and size, out of more than 150 food clusters analysed.

The Barcelona area agri-food cluster is also the leader, given that, in

terms of jobs created, it is second only to the construction industry. It is

the largest agri-food cluster in Spain and the one that has created the

most jobs.

Of special note is the Llobregat Delta platform, which is equipped with

assets that make it a first-class agri-food cluster. These assets include

the following infrastructure facilities:

• The Zona Franca Industrial Estate (PZF), which is the largest piece of

active industrial land in Spain with a gross area of 600 ha. More than

200 companies operate on this estate and turnover in 2006 amounted

to €20 billion.

• Mercabarna, one of the main food clusters in Southwestern Europe.

• Barcelona airport.

• The Port of Barcelona and the Logistics Activity Area (ZAL), more than

830 ha. of which is devoted to the agri-food industry, with 6 specific

terminals. Cargo traffic (imports/exports) amounts to about 7.4 million

tonnes per year.

Finally, Catalonia has a considerable supply of agri-food warehouse

space, currently around 1,500,000 m2, of which approximately 60% is

located in Barcelona Province, where there is an excellent supply of

cold logistics services.

Foreign Investment

Moreover, the Barcelona area has become a major focus of foreign

investment, especially in industry and advanced services. Catalonia has

thus consolidated its reputation as the main destination of foreign

companies, nearly 34% of which have their headquarters or main activity

in the region. The Barcelona area is home to 90% of the companies that

have set up in Catalonia and close to 97% of those companies have

expressed a high level of satisfaction with the decision.

In the food industry, the dynamic, attractive profile of Catalonia is reflected

by the fact that almost 11% of the foreign investment in Catalonia is in

the agri-food industry, right behind the automotive industry, with 13%.

Food Cluster (top 10 in Europe)

Lombardy (Milan), IT

Catalonia (Barcelona), ES

Denmark, DK

Brittany (Rennes), FR

Vlaams Gewest, BE

Emilia-Romagna (Bologna), IT

Veneto (Venice), IT

Pays de la Loire (Nantes), FR

Masovia (Warsaw), PL

Andalusia (Seville), ES

Barcelona has a privilegedgeographic location, giventhat all modes of transportcan be found so close toone another (at a distanceof no more than 5kilometres): sea, air, rail androad, as well as theinfrastructure and landnecessary for thedevelopment of large-scalequality logistics activities.

The Llobregat Delta agri-food cluster is

supported by an intermodal system of

logistics and transport infrastructure:

• 7 km from the airport.

• 500 m from the port.

• 200 m from the main rail cargo station

in Catalonia.

• 7 km from the centre of Barcelona.

Terminals dedicated to the agri-food industry in the Port of Barcelona:

ERGANSA - Terminal that receives bulk grain and seeds.

BUNGE IBÉRICA, SA and CARGIL ESPAÑA, SA - Terminals that mill soy beans.

TERMINAL PORT NOU, SA – Fruit terminal.

INTERLOGÍSTICA DEL FRÍO, SA (INTERFRISA) - Refrigerated warehouse.

BIT S.A. - Coffee and cocoa terminal.

Road network

RENFE rail network

FGC commuter rail network

Cargo network

Logistics Activities Zone (ZAL)

Zona Franca Logistics Park

Zona Franca customs

Barcelona air cargocentre

Port of Barcelona

Barcelona Airport

15 2

4

26

1

2

4

5

6

3

10 Reasons to Invest in the Agri-food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia 19The Agri-Food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia18

The Presence of Leading Companies 04

Catalonia is an industrial benchmark in the food industry, especially inthe Barcelona area, as a result of the presence of internationalcompanies that are the leaders in their sectors and due to theexistence of four key clusters. Complementary industries have alsodeveloped, such as those related to packaging, logistics, and coldstorage, etc.

Catalonia: Four Leading FoodClusters

• Meat Industries: Cluster made up of more

than 200 companies with 8,300 employees.

• Mineral Water: Cluster made up of 11

establishments dedicated to mineral water,

with more than 600 jobs and an annual

turnover of €400 million.

• Wine and Cava: This cluster is made up of

more than 200 companies employing 2,500

people and invoicing €575 million per year.

• Olive Oil: This cluster is made up of 130

establishments that employ nearly 900

people and have a joint annual turnover of

€500 million.

There are nearly 3,000 companies working in the agri-

food industry in Catalonia, which is ranked first in Spain

in terms of the number of large companies, with close

to 700. Most of this industry and the employment it

generates is located in Barcelona Province, which has

become a strategic area for any major agri-food

company.

A number of leading companies in the agri-food

industry have thus set up in Catalonia and especially

in the Barcelona metropolitan area, as well as many

companies that are the world leaders in their

respective sectors.

Examples include Nestlé, Danone, Agroaliment,

Panrico, Borges, Bimbo, Coca-Cola, Damm, Freixenet,

Codorniu, Cargill Spain, Corporació Alimentària de Guissona and Bacardi.

At the same time, the presence of such important companies has generated a high

level of specialization and qualifications of the professionals in the industry, which offers

first-class human resources and knowledge.

Headquarters of the AECOC – GS1 Spain

The main association of manufacturers and distributors in Spain (AECOC), with

close to 24,000 associates, has its headquarters in Barcelona. The AECOC was

originally created to promote the use of barcodes, but has developed to offer

the industry and distribution a framework for cooperation that is essential to

be able to reach consumers as efficiently as possible by identifying opportunities

for improvement all along the supply chain.

AECOC is also a member and representative of the GS1 organization in Spain.

The aim of GS1 is to define standards and good practices in the supply chain.

Source: DAR


Mercabarna is a first-rate food unit and has become one of the main foodclusters in Southwestern Europe for fresh products. It also handlesmarketing, preparation and generation of added value for food, logistics,distribution, importing and exporting, as well as the supply ofinfrastructure and technological services, waste-management policies andrespect for the environment.

Leadership in Fresh Products05

The following figure shows the mapof Mercabarna with the differentsectors and activities carried outthere.

The modification of the General Metropolitan

Plan (PGM) should make it possible to expand

Mercabarna in the future. In 22AL, an area

adjacent to Mercabarna that belongs to the Zona

Franca Consortium, it has been established that

new activity licences will only be granted for

activities related to the commerce, industry and

distribution of agri-food products. Mercabarna

will therefore grow by an additional 44 hectares

as a means of increasing the development of

Mercabarna and the agri-food industry in general

(at present 15% of the plots of land on the Zona

Franca Industrial Estate is dedicated to the agri-

food industry).

Located on the Zona Franca Industrial Estate, Mercabarna is home to more than 800

companies, of which 350 are commercial concerns (wholesale buying and selling) and

450 work in other activities in the food industry (product processing and handling,

restaurant services, warehousing, logistics and distribution, etc.). Overall, Mercabarna

generates €2.5 billion in turnover each year, employs 8,000 people and is visited by

25,000 people a day.

Mercabarna also forms part of MERCASA, the network of 23 wholesale markets distributed

throughout Spain that account for an area of more than 7 million square meters dedicated

to the agri-food industry, where more than 3,500 wholesale companies work.

Mercabarna covers an area of 90 hectares divided into four sectors:

• Fruit and vegetables, with a Central Fruit and Vegetable Market.

• Fish, with a Central Fish Market.

• Meat, with a slaughterhouse.

• Flowers and plants, with a Central Flower and Plant Market (currently on premises

in the towns of Sant Boi de Llobregat and El Prat de Llobregat).

One of the factors that make Mercabarna stand out from

other markets in the world is the considerable development

of the Complementary Activities Area (ZAC), where activities

are carried out that give added value to fresh products

(handling, cutting, cleaning, etc.) and that provide services

in the product value chain (controlled-temperature

warehouse management, logistics and transport,

distribution, importing, exporting, etc.). The ZAC also creates

strong synergies between suppliers and customers, given

that the purchasing platforms of distribution companies

make it possible to establish economies of scale and

different advantages for the companies operating there

(purchasing and logistics flexibility, reduction of stocks and

improved planning).

Mercabarna’s most immediate area of influence extends 100 km beyond Barcelonaand covers all of Catalonia, the northern section of Valencia, an area in WesternAragon, the Balearic Islands, Andorra, Southern France and Northern Italy. It suppliesa total of nearly 10 million consumers with fresh products.

22 10 Reasons to Invest in the Agri-food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia 23The Agri-Food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia

Barcelona Food Platform isan initiative in progress forthe development of atechnology park forinnovative companies thatgenerate and providetechnological and logisticsservices to the agri-foodindustry and relatedsectors.

Catalonia, and the GreaterBarcelona Area in particular,is equipped with majorinfrastructure, platformsand universities dedicatedto research, developmentand innovation in the agri-food industry thatcontribute to extensiveknowledge of the industryand provide companieswith the R&D andinnovation services theyneed to increase the addedvalue of their products, takeadvantage of newtechnologies and innovate.

BarcelonaFood Platform06 A Focus on Research

and Development 07Barcelona Food Platform will provide space for

innovative companies in the agri-food industry on

a plot of land of more than 30 hectares on the Zona

Franca Industrial Estate.

Barcelona Food Platform will therefore provide agri-

food companies with access to technologies and

services that will help them improve their

competitiveness and business projection through

such actions as improving products and processes,

distribution and export logistics, and innovation in

the introduction and creation of new products.

Catalonia, and the Greater Barcelona Area in

particular, boasts a wide range of research centres

and groups linked to the food industry that contribute

to creating a business community that understands

innovation and provide the R&D services companies

need.

They include:

• Innovative Technological Analysis for

Competitive Industrial Processes (ATIPIC).

• Centre for Agro-food Economy and

Development (CREDA).

• Centre for Animal Health Research (CReSA).

• Spanish National Research Council (CSIC).

• School of Agriculture of Barcelona.

• Catalan Institute of Wine and Vineyards.

• Institute for Food and Agricultural Research

and Technology (IRTA).

• CSIC-IRTA Consortium Plant Molecular

Genetics Laboratory.

At the same time, the main Catalan universities have

research groups with links to the agri-food industry

that carry out basic and applied research:

• Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.

• Universitat de Barcelona.

• Universitat de Girona.

• Universitat de Lleida.

• Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya.

• Universitat Rovira i Virgili.

Barcelona Food Platform focuses on

technologies such as:

• Freezing and cryogenics.

• Improving preparation, evisceration and

dispensing.

• Pasteurization and sterilization.

• Packaging and palletization.

• Identification, such as labelling and

radiofrequency identification.

• Innovative technologies such as radiation

treatments, fast drying,

electromagnetism, etc.

Barcelona Food Platform provides the

following services:

• Warehousing: refrigeration, controlled

atmosphere, freezing.

• Logistics.

• Consulting on R&D and innovation.

• Product innovation and market research.

• Inspection, auditing and certification.

The Triptolemos Foundation for Agri-food Development is a private institution whose objective is to

define and create a cross-cutting framework for dialogue, exchange of knowledge and activities

between the agents involved in the agri-food chain, especially in the area of R&D and innovation. Its

mission is to promote actions that increase the availability, quality, knowledge of and trust in food. The

foundation’s headquarters is in Barcelona.


A multi-sectoral fair representing allindustries:

CONGELEXPO. Frozen products.

EXPOBEBIDAS. Soft drinks, mineral water, beer,

cider and grape juice.

EXPOCONSER. Preserves and semi-preserves.

INTERCARN. Meat and meat products.

INTERLACT. Dairy products.

OLIVARIA. Olive oil.

INTERPESCA. Seafood, aquaculture and fish

farming.

INTERVIN. Wine and spirits.

MULTIPRODUCTO. General food products.

MUNDIDULCE. Sweets, biscuits and

confectionery.

RESTAURAMA. Eating out.

VEGEFRUIT. Fresh fruit and vegetables.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY AND ORGANIC

FOODS

ALIMENTARIA PREMIUM. Premium products.

Alimentaria InternationalFood and BeverageExhibition

08Alimentaria is the most important international food trade fair in Spainand one of the largest in the world. Organized every other year,Alimentaria has been held seventeen times and has become a realmeeting point for the international food and distribution industry wherethe main sector innovations and trends are presented.

Nearly 4,800 exhibitors (a 20% increase in the last 20 years) from leading companies in

the production and distribution of food and beverages from more than 70 countries meet

at this international event every two years. A total of 158,000 visitors attended the last

fair, 21% of whom were from 155 foreign countries. Alimentaria has thus become an

international business centre and a bridge between Europe, Africa and Latin America, which

is one of the advantages of the international trade fairs held in Barcelona.

Based on its privileged position, backed by its track record and guided by the key words of

innovation, professionalization, internationalization and dynamic activities, as well as its

exhibition space, Alimentaria is without a doubt very highly respected.

The trade fair generates more than €1.8 billion in business for participating companies

while it produces profit for the city of Barcelona to the tune of €168 million. However, the

impact of the show is not only quantitative, but extremely qualitative, as reflected by the

many parallel activities that are held: Alimentaria Premium, the International Food Forum,

the Futura d'Innova shop and the 7th International Conference on the Mediterranean Diet.

Net exhibition space

Space for dynamic activities and entertainment

Participating companies

Professional visitors

International professional visitors

2008

122,000 m2

9,000 m2

4,806

157,632

33,418

2006

115,000 m2

7,000 m2

4,148

152,344

32,892

2004

105,815 m2

6,000 m2

4,087

142,513

31,000


The food industry is strengthened by a food culture based on qualityand health, which is why the municipal markets are well stocked withexcellent products, especially in the Barcelona area. These marketshave a thousand-year-old history and form a key part of the city’seconomy. A wide selection of food products are available, especiallyfresh products.

Municipal Markets09

There are 170 municipal markets in Catalonia, of which 46 are in the different neighbourhoods

of the city of Barcelona and have a total of 8,790 stalls. Barcelona’s markets are grouped

in the network of the Institute of Municipal Markets of Barcelona, the largest in Europe.

In figures, municipal markets boast more than 100,000 m2 of commercial space and 3,500

commercial establishments, while providing more than 5,000 direct jobs. They are estimated

to receive about 50 million visitors a year who spend a total of €500 million.

Of note is that the municipal markets organize many dynamic activities that contribute to

disseminating food culture based on a balanced, quality, healthy diet.

Markets with projection in Europe

Different markets and towns that believe in bringing Europe closer to people and raising

concern about the quality of life of its inhabitants have created EMPORION, a European

association that groups together the best food markets. The association has its headquarters

in Barcelona and encourages markets to improve their daily performance and to ensure they

are heard in the European Union.

Markets are also cultural references

A number of different activities, campaigns and

cultural events take place at municipal markets:

• Promotional campaigns such as Come to Your

Market and Cuisine Science.

• Programmes to disseminate healthy food

culture such as To the Market for Health.

• Participation in events and conferences such

as A Taste of Barcelona.

• Organizing product samples and exhibitions

such as the Country Food Shows in Berguedà

and La Boqueria.

• Entertainment activities during major holidays

such as Christmas, the Epiphany and Mardi Gras,

and cultural activities at markets such as Arts

Night in Sarrià.

• Campaigns aimed at immigrants, through

training, information about native products and

the introduction of new products, etc.

• Presentations, sessions and tours with students

to teach about eating habits.


Barcelona and the Mediterranean Diet10

Barcelona has a clear cultural interest in the agri-food industry and,together with the main countries on the Mediterranean, has submitted anofficial request to have the Mediterranean diet included on the UNESCOlist of intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

Of special note in this area is the Mediterranean Diet

Foundation (FDM), a non-profit organization of a strictly

scientific and cultural nature whose main objective is to

preserve the age-old heritage of the populations on the

shores of the Mediterranean Sea, i.e. the philosophy of

life and eating habits that have sparked the interest of

eminent scientists all over the world in recent decades

due to their contribution to the prevention of numerous

ailments. With this aim in mind, the Foundation promotes

research and the dissemination of the scientific

advantages for health of the Mediterranean diet and

lifestyle.

The Foundation Board receives support from the following official institutions:

• Spanish Ministry of the Environment, the Rural Community and the Sea.

• Catalan Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Action.

• Barcelona City Council.

• Association for the Advancement of the Mediterranean Diet (ADDM).

The Foundation’s main activities include:

• Educational campaigns on eating and the Mediterranean diet for schools.

• Report of the International Observatory on the Mediterranean Diet.

• Organization of the international conference in Barcelona on the Mediterranean diet.

• Collaboration with different institutions and organizations to raise awareness about

the Mediterranean diet, such as Barcelona City Council, the Spanish Ministry of the

Environment, the Rural Community and the Sea, the Spanish Federation of the Food

and Beverages Industries (FIAB), the organizing committee of Alimentaria, etc.

• Forming part of the NAOS strategy (nutrition, physical activity, obesity prevention)

to implement actions to promote the Mediterranean diet, and participation in different

conferences and congresses.

Moreover, a scientific committee has been created with more than 23 renowned international

researchers from more than 12 countries to strengthen the international projection of

Mediterranean food and gastronomic culture.

Catalonia as an internationalbenchmark in gastronomy

Also of note is the international recognition of

Catalan restaurants. For example, Catalonia has

the highest number of Michelin-starred

establishments in Spain:

• Restaurants with 1 star: 29

• Restaurants with 2 stars: 2

• Restaurants with 3 stars: 3

El Bulli (Ferran Adrià)

Racó de Can Fabes (Santi Santamaria)

Sant Pau (Carme Ruscalleda)

Escola Superior d'Agricultura de

Barcelona (School of Agriculture of

Barcelona)

www.esab.upc.edu

IESE

www.iese.edu

Institut Català de la Vinya i el Vi

(Catalan Institute of Wine and

Vineyards)

www.gencat.es/darp/incavi

Institut de Recerca and Tecnologies

Agroalimentàries (Institute for Food

and Agricultural Research and

Technology, IRTA)

www.irta.es

Laboratori de Genètica Molecular

Vegetal Consorci CSIC-IRTA (CSIC-IRTA

Consortium Plant Molecular Genetics

Laboratory)

www.csic-irta.es

Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

www.uab.es

Universitat de Barcelona

www.ub.edu

Universitat de Girona

www.ubg.es

Universitat de Lleida

www.ubl.es

Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya

www.upc.es

Universitat Rovira i Virgili

www.urv.es

31The Agri-Food Industry in Barcelona and Catalonia30 Websites of Interest

Websites of Interest

Editors

Barcelona City Council - Economic Promotion

22@Barcelona

ACC1Ó CIDEM|COPCA. Government of Catalonia

Barcelona Chamber of Commerce

Design

Glòria Escoruela - g.grafic

Printing

Gráficas Sierra S.L.

D.L. (legal deposit)

Barcelona, March 2009

Circulation: 2,000 (english version)

Local and AutonomousCommunity Organizations

22@Barcelona

www.22barcelona.com

ACC1Ó CIDEM|COPCA

www.acc10.cat

Invest in Catalonia

www.catalonia.com

Barcelona City Council

www.bcn.cat

Catalan Ministry of Agriculture, Food

and Rural Action

www.gencat.cat/darp

Institute of Municipal Markets

www.mercatsbcn.com

Mercabarna

www.mercabarna.es

National Organizations

Spanish Ministry of the Environment,

the Rural Community and the Sea

www.marm.es

Business Organizations

AECOC – GS1 Spain

www.aecoc.es

Barcelona Chamber of Commerce

www.cambrabcn.es

Emporion

www.emporion.org

Fira de Barcelona Trade Fair Centre

www.firabcn.es

Mediterranean Diet Foundation (FDM)

www.fdmed.org

Triptolemus Foundation

www.triptolemos.org

Universities and ResearchCentres

Anàlisi Tecnològica Innovadora per a

Processos Industrials Competitius

(Innovative Technological Analysis for

Competitive Industrial Processes,

ATIPIC)

www.atipic.es

Centre de Recerca en Economia and

Desenvolupament Agroalimentari

(Centre for Agro-food Economy and

Development, CREDA)

www.creda.es

Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal

(Centre for Animal Health Research,

CReSA)

www.cresa.es

Consejo Superior de Investigaciones

Científicas (Spanish National Research

Council, CSIC)

www.csic.es

ESADE

www.esade.es